The celebration of love on the 14th of February began many years ago because of St. Valentine who was a Catholic Priest in Rome during the 3rd Century. He was such a firm believer in love that he started marrying soldiers in secret Christian ceremonies when Emperor Claudius II passed a law that prevented his soldiers from getting married.

Valentine was eventually discovered committing unlawful acts against the Emperor and was sent to jail with a death penalty. During his time in prison before his execution, he took care of his fellow inmates and the jailor’s blind daughter. Legends say that he cured the girl’s blindness and wrote his last love message to her signing off “from your Valentine” before he was executed on February 14 in the year 270.

Since then, the day of his death has marked the day when lovers become more extra romantic towards one another. They exchange gifts, handwritten letters and spend special time together to celebrate their love. Every year on the 14th of February,  we are reminded that St. Valentine died fighting for what he believed in, love.

All around the world, people celebrate love in all sorts of ways. Different countries have their traditions on honouring their special ones on Valentine’s Day.

• The romantic South Koreans celebrate love on the 14th of every month, not just February!

• Finland on Valentine’s day celebrates ‘Ysstävänpäivä’ which translates to  “Friendship Day”. They swap presents and friendship cards that say “Happy Friends Day”.

• Every year in the Philippines, hundreds and sometimes thousands of couples come together in public places to be married simultaneously. The Government are often the sponsors of these huge events as a form of their public service.

• In Germany, the pig animal symbolises luck and lust which is why on Valentine’s you will see couples exchanging pig figurines and pictures with one another along with chocolates and cards.

If you’re still deciding what to give your loved one this Valentine’s Day, Mad Flowers can help you. We’re offering a €30 discount off our Dozen Red Roses if you use our special rate code MADVAL.